It falls on 1st October every year and is also observed with unmatched nationalistic ardor throughout the country. The significance of Independence Day in Nigeria lies in the fact that it binds all the Nigerians into one chord not only within the country but also in the far off lands of America and Europe.

A brief history of Nigeria's struggle for independence---

Historical evidences indicate that the earlier inhabitants of Nigeria were thought to have the Nok tribe followed by Kanuri, Hausa and Fulani who migrated to the country in the subsequent years. In the 13th century Islam was introduced in Nigeria, and the Kanem Empire continued to rule the country till the 14th century. With the annexation of British in 1886, it became a British colony in the later years. After years of hard struggle and political turmoil Nigeria achieved independence on 1st October 1960.

The vast landscapes of the country, stretching from the Obudu Hills of the southeast through the beaches in to the rainforest regions of the Lagos estuary the country has worth while natural splendors to explore.

Culturally one of the diverse countries of Africa, Nigeria is home to more than 250 linguistic ethnic groups as Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani and Igbo. The folk music of Nigeria has gained tremendous boost with indigenous fusion giving it a new dimension in the past few years. The economy of Nigeria has come of age with the exploration of oil and petroleum deposits which accounts for nearly 50% of its income. Also the vast mineral resources extensively contribute to the economic upsurge of the country.

The Nigerian Independence day remains incomplete without paying marked homage to its famous freedom fighters and leaders who have inspired the country independence struggle.

I have encountered occasions where some Africans make statements like “You are white, so you have money”, or “You are white, so you are able to pay for anything” or “All the white people are rich”. So I ask myself what causes this way of thinking. Then I came to the following different conclusions below:

The first reason is the media. Germany for example is normally presented as a rich country in the media all around the world. They show the world that there are lots of jobs and developed infrastructures.

But this is not right; there is another side too. What about all the homeless people who can’t afford anything? The old people that can´t pay for their medicine or food. Children that go to bed hungry. The single mothers who don’t have enough income to provide everything the children need. The media often neglects to report this side of the story.

The next reason goes back to history. Africa was always rich. So white people came to the continent with their weapons, robbed it, killed out tribes, enslaved and oppressed the people.

Why did they do that?

To get more and more money. So it is believed that since White ancestors robbed Africa out of its wealth years ago, their descendants are all wealthy today.

But the truth is while a handful of White ancestors might have robbed Africa off its wealth, majority of their descendants did not and are not profiting from that today.

Another reason I think comes from some Africans themselves. Some Africans travel to European countries and buy either used clothes, cars or phones at a very cheap rates. Then ship it back to Africa to be sold to Africans who sometimes cannot afford these items. This gives Africans back home the notion that all white people are rich if they can afford these items.

The last reason: So often I hear a lot of people say that Africa is poor and the people have no money. Or that the entire continent is not developed. Or Africans have no education and they need white people to help them.

But this is not true. There are many places in Africa that are well developed (South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt, just to name a few) and people can afford more things than a lot of white people cannot.

There are also a lot of Africans that are much better educated and have more knowledge than plenty of white people.

In summary, I don´t think that money makes you rich nor does it make you poor. I have seen a side without all the material things I have here in Germany. I lived in a non-materialistic world. When I woke up in the morning I felt the sunshine in my face, heard the kids calling my Name, and saw the neighbor bringing fresh fruits from the garden to me. I felt some kind of richness in my soul that no money could ever give me.

So for me it has no significance, if someone has money or not, because it doesnt mean that you are happy or not happy.

So please stop thinking about who has more money, there are much more important things in life. Like Bob Marley said "My richness is life forever".

Dear readers and listeners, we would like to introduce one of our radio presenters at Topafric Radio. Her name is Kolawole Ajibola but she goes by Fabulous Muah. Miss Ajibola is also a student at Leipzig University here in Germany. She is majoring in African Studies. She is the co-presenter of the show “Hot List” along side Christian Kenou. They interview all up and coming young artists within Germany. The show comes up every Monday 6pm – 8pm German time.

Bola, like she is fondly called, is also the coordinator of Topafric’s African Youth Education Awards 2013. This is a yearly event that awards kids (of African Origin living in Germany) who attain admission into Universities as well as kids who graduate from Universities here in Germany.

She is 21yrs old, loves listening to Bob Marley, dancing, watching movies, and having fun. Although she admits to giving her best when it comes to cooking, this young talented lady gives her best whenever she is given an assignment or whenever she embarks on any project herself.

Watch out for Miss Kolawole Ajibola a.k.a Fabulous. This flower is yet to blossom. She will fabulously blow your mind away when she does.

Here is a list of foundations giving scholarships to National and International students here in Germany.

1.Daimler and Benz Stiftung - Daimler and Benz Foundation offers scholarship programme for young postdoctoral scientists. The program is in accordance with the Foundation’s statutes, open to all disciplines and subjects

2.DAAD - DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is funding study scholarships for International applicants from the field of Fine Art, Design, Film, Music and Architecture as well as Drama, Direction, Dance and Choreography

3.The Heinrich Böll Foundation - The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to international students who gained their university entrance qualification from a school outside of Germany who wish to study a Masters or PhD

4.Yousef Jameel Doctoral Scholarships for Developing Countries - Humboldt-University is offering doctoral scholarship in natural science fields in Germany. Five scholarships for developing countries are awarded annually for a period of three years which commence in October

The much awaited “World Igbo Conference " has come and gone last Sunday the 18th of August 2013.

According to many igbozurume delegates who converged from all part of the World, the August Event indeed was a success and a masterpiece of its kind never seen in any African community in Germany.

The successful event was attributed to the judicious, dedicated and precisional attention given to it by the committed and loyal members of Igbozurume Germany. The conference itself holds a watershed in the history of Igbo’s in Germany. For many folks, the just concluded convention gave the Igbo’s in Germany, for the first time a sense of pride and nationalism.

A sharp contrast from the way things were done in the past. And gladly in end, History was made and recorded. The beauty and highlight of the Day was the presence of Igbozurume Grand Patron Germany; HRH Ezeigbo Dr.Peter Aguiyi Godwin, who came all the way from Stuttggart with 10 man delegates in a grand style.

The young Onye Eze Igbo Germany passion shown openly when during his speech he became emotional on the so many problems, according to him is threatening the existence of the Igbo’s all over the world. Although he equally reminded the crowd how blessed Igbo’s are surviving under a difficult and hash political gang up.

He also spoke on the need to restore the dignity of Igbo’s in Nigeria and importantly the need to unite with all our Igbo brothers across the bridge. In all, the sum total of his message was peace, love and unity amongst the Igbo’s in the Diaspora and at home. But before I conclude this piece, let me advise some of our Igbo brothers to desist from chasing shadows.

Igbozurume Germany under the leadership of Johnbosco K.Onyeke is a moving train, so it would be needless for anybody to engage in unwarranted media warfare. It’s my candid opinion, that the Igbozurume fever that has unmistakable gripped some people should stop now.

It´s any group fundamental human rights to assembly, associate even de-associate, any individual/group who unnecessarily engaged others maliciously should never forget the legal implication of infringing on the right of others.

While its natural for brothers to disagree and agree, what is least expected was the wicked approach some misguided few adopted to frustrate the activities of other group which does not in any way trampled on their human right.

The unfortunately thing being that some people mentioned in this wicked act were guys many people in the community looked up to. What a shame! Above all, Igbozurume is open to all Igbo’s in German, I am well convinced within the shortest time our aggrieved brothers whose excuses for separating are yet unclear, will realize the need to come back into our fold which is where they belong.

I believe it’s in our very best interest Igbo’s in Germany to collectively champion the Igbozurume course, our commitment is restoring the lost dignity of Igbo man.

So, let the young and old, men and women of Igbo’s living in Germany join hands to this laudable task. Long Live Federal Republic of Germany! Long live Igbozurume Germany e.v !! Long live HRH Eze Dr.Peter Aguiyi Godwin (Onye Eze Igbo nke mbu na Germany) !!! Adams Kennedy Chidi PRO/ Media consultant Igbozurume (Northern Section)